U.S. patent application number 16/571398 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-19 for floor system for a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Airbus Operations GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Airbus Operations GmbH. Invention is credited to Wolfgang Eilken, Torsten Noebel, Memis Tiryaki, Sven Werner, Andre Zybala.
Application Number | 20200086967 16/571398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68241117 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200086967 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tiryaki; Memis ; et
al. |
March 19, 2020 |
Floor System For A Vehicle
Abstract
A floor system for creating a floor in an interior of a vehicle
has base part and a floor panel. The base part having a
trough-shaped depression and the floor panel are attached to a
floor support structure and together provide a customary
installation height and also cavities for accommodating
installation objects.
Inventors: |
Tiryaki; Memis; (Hamburg,
DE) ; Werner; Sven; (Hamburg, DE) ; Noebel;
Torsten; (Hamburg, DE) ; Zybala; Andre;
(Hamburg, DE) ; Eilken; Wolfgang; (Hamburg,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Airbus Operations GmbH |
Hamburg |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Airbus Operations GmbH
Hamburg
DE
|
Family ID: |
68241117 |
Appl. No.: |
16/571398 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64C 2001/0081 20130101;
B64C 1/18 20130101; B64C 1/20 20130101; B64C 2001/0072
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64C 1/18 20060101
B64C001/18; B64C 1/20 20060101 B64C001/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 18, 2018 |
DE |
10 2018 122 813.9 |
Claims
1. A floor system for creating a floor in an interior of a vehicle,
comprising: a base part for laying on a floor support structure of
the vehicle; and a floor panel configured to be laid on the base
part, wherein the base part has at least two peripheral surfaces
and a trough-shaped depression arranged therebetween for receiving
installation objects, wherein the base part has at least one
stiffening member arranged in the depression, the stiffening member
extending over the entire height of the depression, wherein the
floor panel and the at least one stiffening member have first
connection members and second connection members arranged in a
complementary manner to one another, which are configured for
detachable, form-fitting connection of the floor panel and the at
least one stiffening member, wherein at least one first connection
member is arranged on the at least one stiffening member and at
least one second connection member is arranged on an underside of
the floor panel and wherein the floor panel is configured to
correspond to the base part, so that the floor panel is placed on
the peripheral surfaces and the at least one reinforcing component
and the at least one second connection member forms a connection
with the at least one first connection member.
2. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein the first
connection members and the second connection members are configured
to produce a snap-on connection.
3. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein each of the
connection members extends along a straight section on the at least
one stiffening member and the floor panel.
4. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein each of the
connection members extends along at least 90% of an available
length of the at least one stiffening member or the floor
panel.
5. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein one of the first
connection members and the second connection members has a first
profile cross section and the other of the first connection members
and the second connection members has a second profile cross
section, wherein the first profile cross section includes a bulge,
wherein the second profile cross section includes an indentation,
and wherein the first profile cross section and the second profile
cross section are configured so that the bulge snaps into the
indentation upon application of pressure.
6. The floor system according to claim 5, wherein the bulge is
based on an arcuate form or a drop shape.
7. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein the second
connection element is adhered to an underside of the floor
panel.
8. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
the first connection members and second connection members is made
of a metallic material.
9. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein the base part is
made of a fibre-reinforced plastic material.
10. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein the floor panel
is made of a fibre-reinforced plastic material.
11. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein the second
connection element is integrated in a top layer of the floor
panel.
12. The floor system according to claim 1, wherein multiple
stiffening members are uniformly distributed in the depression.
13. An aircraft comprising an interior with a floor support
structure and a floor arranged thereupon, wherein the floor is
produced using a floor system according to claim 1.
14. The aircraft according to claim 13, wherein the interior is a
cabin or a cargo hold.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a floor system for a vehicle and
also to a vehicle which has at least one floor system of this
kind.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vehicles for transporting passengers or freight usually have
an interior which is enclosed by a vehicle structure and is fitted
with a floor, at least in sections. A particular floor design may
emerge, depending on the design of the vehicle. In the case of
passenger or cargo aircraft, for example, it is known in the art
for sandwich panels to be used on floor supports. The sandwich
panels frequently have a honeycomb core in order to minimize
weight, said honeycomb core being surrounded by top layers of a
fibre-reinforced plastic. In order to attach sandwich panels of
this kind to a vehicle structure, special inserts are required
which are to be integrated in said sandwich panels during their
production of the same. The inserts may be connected to the floor
supports by screw fastenings.
[0003] If a defect should arise in a sandwich panel of this kind,
it may be necessary to replace said panel. Due to the complex
provision of in some cases individual inserts and the
cost-intensive nature of the material, this can be expected to
generate not insignificant costs which are increased still further
by the greater assembly expenditure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Consequently, a problem addressed by the aspects of the
invention is that of proposing an alternative floor structure in
which both the production costs and the repair costs can be
reduced.
[0005] A floor system for a vehicle is proposed. The floor system
has a base part for laying on a floor support structure of the
vehicle and a floor panel which can be laid on the base part. The
base part has at least two peripheral surfaces and a trough-shaped
depression arranged therebetween for receiving cables, wherein the
base part has at least one stiffening member arranged in the
depression, which stiffening member extends over the entire height
of the depression. The floor panel and the at least one stiffening
member have first and second connection members arranged in a
complementary manner to one another, which are designed for the
detachable, form-fitting connection of the floor panel and the at
least one stiffening member. At least one first connection member
is arranged on the at least one stiffening member and at least one
second connection member is arranged on an underside of the floor
panel. The floor panel is configured to correspond to the base
part, so that it can be placed on the peripheral surfaces and the
at least one stiffening member of the base part, and the at least
one second connection member forms a connection with the at least
one first connection member.
[0006] The floor system according to an embodiment of the invention
is consequently made up of two main components which can be
connected to one another in a form-fitting manner at least via the
connection members, so that a floor can be produced. The peripheral
surfaces of the base part mean that an installation height required
for the floor structure can be achieved by floor panels which are
substantially thinner compared with the prior art. However, these
are mounted on more support points than is possible with thicker
floor panels in customary structures, without the floor support
structure being changed to achieve this. The functions and
advantages of these components are described in greater detail
below.
[0007] In the installed state, the base part forms a lower
component of a floor and can be connected to the floor support
structure. It may be made of a material that does not correspond to
the material which is used to produce customary sandwich panels. It
is conceivable for the base part to have an elongate shape overall.
The base part could then extend roughly parallel to a main
extension direction of the interior of the vehicle concerned.
[0008] In order to receive the floor, the interior may have an
arrangement of floor supports which could be arranged parallel
and/or transverse to the main extension direction of the interior
and form the floor support structure. At least floor supports which
run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft are known in
aircraft interiors. The spacing of the floor supports relative to
one another produces a maximum width of the depression in a cross
section of the base part. The base part must therefore be of such
dimensions that it is adapted to the installation space available.
This results in the depression of a base part being located between
adjacent floor supports.
[0009] The base part should be suitable for being fixedly connected
to the primary structure of the vehicle, in order to provide a
permanent and robust base for the floor. It is conceivable for the
base part to have bearing surfaces on sides facing away from the
peripheral surfaces which are of a suitable size for laying on the
floor support structure. Screwing means can be used to fasten the
base part, said screwing means being screwed into the floor support
structure. These means could also extend through the floor panel
located on the base part, in order to fasten the base part and the
floor panel.
[0010] The depression in a base part forms a kind of trough which
is used for receiving installation objects. The combination of the
base part and floor panel thereby forms a housing with one or
multiple embedded cavities through which the installation objects
can extend. These could contain electrical cables and electrical
components, in particular. Apart from power supply cables, data
lines are also conceivable, with which entertainment devices
installed in a cabin can be supplied with content. Coils for
inductive data or electrical power transmission could also be
accommodated therein.
[0011] The at least one stiffening member is used to create a
sufficiently robust base for placing floor panels on top which have
a relatively small thickness. This is preferably arranged in the
depression in such a manner that a symmetrical force transmission
between the floor panel and the base part is achieved. If there is
only one single stiffening member in the depression, this could be
arranged in the middle.
[0012] The number and distribution of the stiffening members may be
made dependent on the anticipated surface load of the corresponding
floor portion. If, for example, the depression is provided with a
comparatively small width or if it is located in a rarely
frequented region of a cabin or in a largely unladen portion of a
hold, a single stiffening member could be sufficient to achieve a
desired supporting function for the floor panel. However, if the
depression extends over a comparatively large width or if the floor
affects a portion with a greater load, multiple stiffening
components could also be distributed in the depression.
[0013] A stiffening member preferably has a continuous, straight
supporting edge or supporting surface on which the floor panel can
rest. The stiffening member may be produced integrally with the
base part or inserted subsequently.
[0014] The floor panels which can be laid on the base part may be
configured as traditional floor panels, but with substantially
thinner dimensions. For example, a floor panel of the floor system
according to the invention may have a thickness of 10 mm or less.
The basic structure could, however, contain a core with a low
density, for example a honeycomb core or a foam core, and top
layers covering this. By adding a floor panel to the base part in
order to create a floor, it is conceivable for the peripheral
surfaces to be configured in such a manner that floor panels are
predominantly of the same design and may always exhibit the same
inserts on the peripheral sides to create a sufficiently
pressure-resistant receiving means for a screw fitting.
Particularly in vehicles with a cross section that tapers in
sections and a non-constant width of the interior, modified base
parts could be used in sections, which base parts can close
transitional regions that are too small to receive a floor panel of
the same size as in the neighbouring regions. Modified base parts
of this kind could be partially thicker and provided with a
depression for receiving a floor panel.
[0015] In summary, the floor system according to an embodiment of
the invention is capable of using more cost-effective and easily
exchangeable floor panels which can withstand the envisaged loads.
Furthermore, the floor system offers a simple possible means for
holding cables and other installation objects and at the same time
protecting them from external influences.
[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second
connection members are designed to produce a snap-on connection.
This makes the assembly of a floor panel easier, since a floor
panel can be clicked onto the appropriate stiffening members for
prefixing through simple orientation and pressing. A more elaborate
fastening to the stiffening members to bring about a sufficient
supporting function on the part of said stiffening members is not
required.
[0017] The connection members preferably each extend along a
straight section on the at least one stiffening member or floor
panel. By avoiding a more complex geometry, the correct attachment
and orientation of the second connection member to the floor panel
can take place very easily.
[0018] The connection members preferably each extend along at least
90% of an available length of the at least one stiffening member or
the floor panel. The orientation of the floor panel and the
stiffening member relative to one another during assembly can
thereby be improved. Following assembly, locally occurring shear or
thrust loading of the floor panel, in particular, can also be
compensated to a greater degree.
[0019] One of the first and second connection members could exhibit
a first profile cross section and the other of the first and second
connection members could exhibit a second profile cross section,
wherein the first profile cross section exhibits a bulge, wherein
the second profile cross section exhibits an indentation and
wherein the first profile cross section and the second profile
cross section are designed so that the bulge snaps into the
indentation by applying pressure. The embodiment of the connection
members is therefore mechanically very simple and yet allows a
secure connection. The bulge could be configured with a piping-like
form. The indentation is shaped to match the bulge and can
preferably be reached through a slot. The second profile cross
section in this case should be configured in such a manner that by
pressing the first profile cross section the slot is widened, so
that the first profile cross section goes into the indentation and
the slot then springs back again into a stress-relieved position.
In order to fulfil this function, the size of the slot and the
shape thereof is dependent on, among other things, the choice of
material. In turn, the slot should exhibit a rounded profile, in
order to avoid damage during assembly.
[0020] The bulge is preferably based on an arcuate form or a drop
shape. This means that the portion of the profile cross section
forming the bulge is circular or drop-shaped in sections. The
locking or snapping of the bulge into the depression is supported,
since the expansion and springing-back of the slot leading to the
indentation can take place smoothly.
[0021] It is advantageous for the second connection members to be
adhered to the underside of the floor panel. In this way, second
connection members can be produced separately from floor panels, so
that these can then be cut to size and attached. In this way, the
first assembly can also be performed very easily and
cost-effectively.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the connection
members is made of a metallic material. This could relate to the
second connection member, for example, which is arranged on the
floor panel. However, if the base part is made of a metallic
material, the first connection member could also be realized
integrally with the relevant stiffening component and,
consequently, made of a metallic material. Aluminum, in particular,
could be chosen as a suitable material, since it has a low density
and high strength, depending on the alloy used. When selecting,
however, care should be taken to ensure that the connection member
with the indentation, in particular, is also sufficiently flexible
to allow latching or snapping in, if this is desired.
[0023] The base part may preferably be made of a fibre-reinforced
plastic material. This comprises a matrix material in which
reinforcing fibres are embedded. These may be realized in the form
or glass or carbon fibres. The orientation of the fibres may be
multi-directional and load-appropriate, so that the base part has
sufficient strength to carry and support a floor panel. The matrix
material may be a thermosetting material or a thermoplastic. In the
latter case, polyamide, PEKK, PEEK or PPS could be used. One
advantage of using a thermoplastic would be the possibility of
producing the base part by extrusion.
[0024] As is common in the prior art, the floor panel could be made
of a sandwich material with a honeycomb core and top layers
covering the honeycomb core. The top layers in this case are
preferably arranged parallel to one another and the honeycomb core
then has a uniform thickness, in particular. The top layers, in
particular, are preferably arranged parallel to one another and the
honeycomb core exhibits, in particular, a uniform thickness. In
order to achieve a high load-bearing capacity, the top layers may,
in particular, be made of a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. The
honeycomb core could be based on a flat, multiple-folded aramid or
polyaramid fabric which is phenol resin-impregnated and hardened. A
comparatively thin honeycomb core with a thickness of under 10 mm
may be chosen due to the additional supporting function of the at
least one stiffening member.
[0025] Due to the small thickness required and the support by the
at least one stiffening member, a floor panel could be made of a
different material, however, which has a layered structure or a
monolithic design. A foam-based core, for example, which is of
substantially simpler design compared with the honeycomb core would
be conceivable, said core being surrounded by top layers. It would
also be conceivable for multiple layers of a fibre-reinforced
plastic to be exclusively used.
[0026] The second connection member may be integrated into a top
layer of the floor panel. This may involve the joint hardening of
one or multiple layers of a fibre-reinforced plastic, if the second
connection member is made from such a material. When producing one
of the top layers concerned, a second connection member, for
example, in the shape of a preform made of an impregnated and
partially or pre-hardened material could be applied to the top
layer, in order to achieve complete hardening. On the other hand,
when producing a top layer, a second connection member could also
be used which is made of a different material and integrated into a
layer structure of a top layer, after which the composite made up
of the layer structure and the second connection member is left to
harden.
[0027] The invention further relates to an aircraft comprising an
interior with a floor support structure and a floor arranged
thereupon which is produced using a floor system according to the
preceding description.
[0028] The interior in this case may be a cabin or cargo hold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Further features, advantages and possible applications of
the present invention emerge from the following description of the
exemplary embodiments and the figures. In this case, all the
features described and/or graphically represented create the
subject matter of the invention individually and in any
combination, even independently of their composition in the
individual claims or the appendancies thereof. Furthermore,
identical reference numbers stand for the same or similar objects
in the figures.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of a floor
produced by the floor system according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a sectional depiction of the floor of FIG.
1.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the floor of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a detail representation of a first and a second
connection member, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows an aircraft which has a floor created using the
floor system according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a partial detail of a floor 2 arranged in a
vehicle, which floor is created using a floor system comprising
base parts 4 and floor panels 6. The floor is provided to be
attached to a floor support structure 8 which contains floor
supports 10. These are connected to a primary structure of the
vehicle which, for simplicity's sake, is not shown here. The
indicated profile is chosen at random and does not limit the
subject matter of the invention.
[0036] The base part 4 is, for example, an elongate component
extending between two floor supports 10 running parallel to one
another. It has a trough-shaped depression 12 which has a width
that corresponds by way of example and preferably to a space
between the two floor supports 10. Peripheral surfaces 14 are
provided on both sides which receive the floor panel. On an
opposite side of the peripheral surfaces 14, bearing surfaces 15
are provided which can be placed on the floor supports 10. The
combination of both bearing surfaces 15 and the depression 12
orients the base part 4.
[0037] By way of example, two stiffening components 16 are located
inside the depression 12 and are oriented perpendicularly to a base
surface 18 of the depression 12. The base surface 18 is, moreover,
configured by way of example parallel to a floor plane to be
produced. However, this is not strictly necessary, but is provided
for integration of the stiffening components 16. Between side
surfaces 20 which extend from the bearing surfaces 14 to the base
surface 18 and the stiffening members 16, a total of three chambers
or channels are formed which are suitable for the ducting of cables
or other installation objects.
[0038] The base part 4 provides a given material thickness between
the peripheral surfaces 14 and the bearing surfaces 15 which, when
combined with the relevant floor panel 6, defines an installation
height h. This installation height h may correspond to the
thickness of a customary floor panel which, in the case of
traditional floors, would otherwise be laid on a floor support 10.
Through the embodiment according to the invention, however, a
substantially smaller thickness is required for the floor panel 6.
This reduces costs, particularly when replacing a faulty floor
panel 6, and may at the same time offer an additional function on
account of the trough-shaped depression 12. A thinner floor panel 6
is adequately supported by the additional stiffening members 16,
thereby preventing any damage to them.
[0039] The base part 4 may be made of a fibre-reinforced plastic
material. The entire base part 4 could be produced by extrusion
using a thermoplastic as the plastic matrix. The base part 4 is
particularly realized in one piece and without joints.
[0040] As indicated in FIG. 1 and depicted in greater detail in
FIG. 2, a connection between the floor panel 6 and the base part 4
in the region of the stiffening members 16 is moreover expedient.
For this purpose, the stiffening members 16 have a first connection
member 22 and the floor panel 6 has second connection members 24.
The first connection members 22 and the second connection members
24 are designed to be complementary to one another and configured
in such a manner that they create a form-fitting connection. In the
example shown, both connection members 22 and 24 are designed to
form a latching or snap-in connection.
[0041] The first connection members 22 are, by way of example,
designed with a drop-shaped first profile cross section 23, so that
a bulge 26 and a constriction 28 result. The second connection
member 24 is, moreover, configured in such a manner that there is a
slot 30 through which the bulge 26 has to be pushed, in order to
reach an indentation 32. The constriction 28 of the first
connection member 22 then lies level with the slot 30 and the bulge
26 lies in the indentation 32. In order for the first connection
member 22 to be pressed into the second connection member 24, the
second connection member 24 has to widen slightly in the region of
the slot 30. A certain degree of material elasticity is required
for this.
[0042] Self-evidently, the arrangement of the first connection
member 22 and the second connection member 24 could also be
provided in the reverse order. A stiffening member 16 could
therefore be provided with an indentation 32, while the bulge 26
would be arranged on the floor panel 6.
[0043] By way of example, the floor panel 6 and the second
connection member 24 have a one-piece configuration. The one-piece
configuration could, for example, relate to the fact that the
second connection member 24 is likewise produced by a layered
structure, such as a top layer of the floor panel 6. The top layer
or the entire floor panel 6 could then be hardened along with the
second connection member 24 arranged thereon.
[0044] It may be advisable for additional third connection members
34 and fourth connection members 36 to be provided which are used
in laterally external regions of the depression 12. The third
connection members 34 may exhibit an indentation in the side
surfaces 40, for example. Fourth connection members 36 which
represent a drop-shaped indentation are designed to correspond
thereto. The floor panel 6 may therefore be laid on the base part 4
from above, in order to connect the first connection members and
the second connection members 22 and 24 to one another after a
compressive force has been exerted and, at the same time, the third
connection members and the fourth connection members 34 and 36 on
the periphery.
[0045] Traditional fastening methods can be used to fasten these
components to the floor supports 10. For example, the base part 4
has through-holes 38 in the peripheral areas 14 and bearing areas
15 which are aligned with holes 40 in the floor panel 6 and also
with through-holes 42 in the floor support 10. A bolt 44 may be
inserted through the three holes 38, 40 and 42 aligned with one
another and then secured using a nut 46. The through-holes 40 may
be lowered to receive a countersunk screw, i.e. have a conical,
flared region.
[0046] With a layered structure of the floor panel 6 without a core
layer, this variant may be sufficient for fastening. It is
conceivable when using a core with a cavity in a region enclosing
the through-holes 40 to arrange an insert which prevents damage to
the core. It is self-evident that multiple arrangements of this
kind are arranged in a given pattern along the floor support
10.
[0047] The cavities formed in the depression 12 are fitted with
cables 47, for example, as installation objects. If the floor
supports 10, and therefore the base part 4 and the floor panel 6,
run parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the cables 47
may be laid along the longitudinal axis. In this way, facilities in
the cabin or cargo hold can be supplied with electrical power
and/or data.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the floor 2 and a floor support
10 which is connected by multiple bolts 44 to the base part 4 and
the floor panel 6. The stiffening members 16 run parallel to one
another and at uniform intervals, for example. The intervals and
the number of stiffening members 16 may be selected depending on
the material used for the floor panel 6 and also the loads that are
to be expected. Regions may exist which are provided with only one
stiffening element 16, while in other regions there may also be
more stiffening elements 16 present.
[0049] FIG. 4 shows by way of example a small detail from the floor
panel 6 and the base part 4, in order to demonstrate the
composition of a first connection member 22 and a second connection
member 24.
[0050] Finally, FIG. 5 shows an aircraft 48 with a fuselage 50
which may have an interior 52 with a primary structure. A floor
support structure 8 with multiple floor supports 10 which support
at least one floor 2 according to the invention is arranged
thereon.
[0051] In addition, it should be pointed out that "comprising" does
not preclude other members or steps and "a" or "an" does not
preclude a plurality. It should further be pointed out that
features which have been described with reference to one of the
above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with
other features of other exemplary embodiments described above.
Reference numbers in the claims should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0052] While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that
modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing
from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to
cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s).
In addition, in this disclosure, the terms "comprise" or
"comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms "a"
or "one" do not exclude a plural number, and the term "or" means
either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have
been described may also be used in combination with other
characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or
context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by
reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from
which it claims benefit or priority.
* * * * *